Business chamber wants law and order assurance

The National National
Kokopo MP Emil Tammur (right) presenting K30,000 on behalf the people of Kokopo to Jonathan Kiaps’s uncle Joe Makinata (second right) yesterday in Kokopo, East New Britain.

PAPUA New Guinea Chamber of Commerce and Industry want the Government to place more emphasis on the internal security of the country.
The chamber said in a statement that efforts to uphold and ensure law and order should be stepped up, especially for the coming general election and on the eve of polling.
It said in light of the violence in East New Britain’s (ENB) Kokopo following the murder of a Bank South Pacific (BSP) employee Jonathan Kiaps, the subsequent flare up of violence was alarming for this once peaceful province.
“We are gravely concerned about the apparent breakdown of law and order in the town,” it said.
“The authorities must work together to address the issues.”
The chamber said the continuous violence over the last three days in Kokopo had a negative effect on businesses, with many being forced to shut down temporarily, adversely affecting services to the people.
“The cost to businesses as a result of such incidents had been immense,” it sad.
“With many businesses not operating, in fear of looting, businesses stand to lose much needed revenue, with their employees in danger of not being paid.
“Having our towns and cities held to ransom over such incidents is unacceptable, as there is always a need for a safe environment for businesses to operate.”
The chamber said the police should be responsible for public safety and law and order, and “we will continue to support the police and the authorities”.
The murder Kiaps in Kokopo market on Saturday sparked deadly fighting in the town.
Business houses were forced to close and BSP Bank, whose employee was murdered, was also shut due to the mayhem.
The Ulagunan youths attacked the Kokopo Business College (KBC) but the students had been alerted and were prepared.
St Mary’s Vunapope Hospital medical services director Dr Felix Diaku said two persons were killed in the fighting and seven others were hospitalised. Acting secretary for the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Dr Francis Hualupmomi said they were ready to assist staff and students of KBC.